Nitriding Hardness Validation

Nitriding Hardness Validation When validating nitriding case depth via microhardness either effective or total case depths are used. Certain alloys lend themselves to an effective case depth and others do not. How total case depth is measured can vary depending on the material, what is used for the core hardness and the specification requirements. Hardness testing was performed on multiple nitriding alloys. Hardness case profiles were made using both Knoop and Vickers hardness and at varying loads. Case depth measurements were compared using varying methods. Total case depth was compared using various calculation techniques. Future considerations and recommendations are proposed.